After work at Tokyo eatery

Japanese actor Kobayashi Kaoru attends an event in Beijing on July 11. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"That (tune) is what we have stayed with from the beginning," says Matsuoka, the 56-year-old director.

"We didn't want to shoot rich people, who are probably highlighted in many modern-themed productions. We prefer to explore the tough lives of those who tirelessly work for a better future, and to hail their courage and diligence," he says.

Kobayashi Kaoru, the award-wining Japanese actor who stars as The Master, attended another event in Beijing on July 11.

He says the franchise has been appealing for years, thanks to the story's subtlety as well as its ability to raise modern-day issues.

The key to adapting the popular manga work to successful screen productions was being faithful to the spirit of the comic books, he adds.

"I didn't expect the franchise to be so popular in China," says Kaoru.

As one of the limited imports released in July, the low-budget Midnight Diner 2 earned 4.3 million yuan ($636,500) on Tuesday, taking the fourth spot on China's box-office charts on its debut.

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn